Spurs: Tony Parker (9), 6-2, 12th year – Finals MVP in 2007 and has since developed into arguably the league’s top point guard. … Showing form that made him a borderline MVP candidate before a March 1 ankle injury, averaging 23 points and 7.2 assists in postseason. … Will have to develop counter if Heat defend him with LeBron James.

Heat: Mario Chalmers (15), 6-2, 5th year – Talented, inconsistent, confident; likely will be first guarding Parker. … Can be a dangerous scoring option among Miami starters, ranking as franchise leader in postseason 3-pointers (89). … Picked up scoring slack with Dwyane Wade, others hobbled. … Member of 2008 Kansas team that won title in San Antonio.

Edge: Spurs

SHOOTING GUARD

Spurs: Danny Green (4), 6-6, 4th year – Deadly yet streaky 3-point shooter who can turn games when hot, but is less of a threat going to the basket. … Has eight double-digit scoring nights in the playoffs, including six 3-pointer game against Warriors. … Has physical tools to be dominant defender but still growing there.

Heat: LeBron James (6), 6-8, 10th year – Four-time NBA MVP and MVP of 2012 Finals presents matchup problems while playing anywhere from point guard to power forward. … Along with Parker, one of two since 2003 to log at least 2,500 postseason points and 750 assists.

Edge: Heat

POWER FORWARD

Spurs: Tim Duncan (21), 6-11, 16th year – In longest title drought of Hall of Fame career, since 2007. … Aiming to be second in history to win titles in three decades (John Salley). … Three-time Finals MVP. … Second to Magic Johnson in playoff double-doubles (144). … One of seven with at least 200 playoff games.

Heat: Udonis Haslem(40), 6-8, 10th year – One of two, along with Wade, remaining from Miami’s first championship team in 2006. … Tough rebounder and high-energy defender who is nevertheless undersized for his position. … Helped turn Eastern Conference finals with a pair of 8-for-9 games. … Often replaced by James in Miami’s small-ball lineups.

Edge: Spurs

CENTER

Spurs: Tiago Splitter (22), 6-11, 3rd year – Former Spanish League MVP in his first season as playoff starter was key piece of defensive effort against Memphis’ Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in conference finals. … Could find role reduced as Heat go small.

Heat: Chris Bosh (1), 6-11, 10th year – Struggled through woeful conference final (26 for 69), in part to the looming presence of Roy Hibbert, but often has proved a tough matchup for Spurs. Since joining Heat in 2010-11, has averaged 23.6 points and shot 60.5 percent (46 of 76) in five meetings with Spurs.

Edge: Heat

THE BENCH

Spurs – Scoring and shooting percentages are down in playoffs, but as de facto backup point guard, Manu Ginobili remains a valuable playmaker, averaging 5.4 assists. … A creative passer and versatile chess piece, F Boris Diaw could guard James during the series. … F Matt Bonner is enjoying best postseason of his career, hitting 50% on threes.

Heat: Erik Spoelstra, Fifth season – Former video coordinator and hand-picked successor to Pat Riley in 2008 seeks to join Popovich as only active coaches with multiple championships. … Second on club’s all-time victories list (259). … Will be challenged to formulate game plan for Spurs given short turnaround from Game 7 against Indiana.

Spurs: Gregg Popovich, 17th season – Longest tenured coach in North American pro sports, seeking fifth NBA title that would tie him with Pat Riley and John Kudla for third. … Has led Spurs to 130-79 postseason mark. … Ranks third all-time in playoff wins, behind Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, and is leader in playoff wins with one team.